Method for inhibiting fungal and bacterial infections of the foot

ABSTRACT

A method for inhibiting fungal and bacterial infections of the foot enables a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath is donned on the foot before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to protect against carriers of the fungal contaminants, such as liquids, debris, and soap that flow towards the foot. The sheath is sufficiently sized and dimensioned, so as to snugly encapsulate the foot, and thereby inhibit moisture, soap, fungus, and bacterium that originate at the upper regions of the body from engaging the foot, anywhere from the ankle to the toes. The method enables the entirety of the foot to be covered with the sheath through a simple tugging motion. After washing the upper region of the body, the sheath is urged off the foot, and the foot is washed independently.

BACKGROUND

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The present invention is directed to a method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot. The method helps inhibit fungal and bacterial infections of the foot by covering the foot with a flexible, elastomeric, disposable and waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed, and then removing the sheath for washing the feet separately. Specifically, the method is configured to enable a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath is donned on the foot before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to segregate the foot, and thereby protect against contamination as liquids, debris, excrements, soap and other contaminants flow towards the foot. The sheath is removed for washing the feet separately and for disposing of in a biohazard disposal unit.

The inventor is a cardiac and vascular surgeon who treats vascular and fungal diseases, such as athlete's foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, onychomicosis, lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant. The inventor was aware that there are a number of conditions specifically affecting the feet and toe nails—specifically Athlete's Foot and Onychomycosis.

The inventor knew that Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail and is the most common disease of the nails, increasingly prevalent among adults, affecting up to 10% of the adult population. The inventor was also knowledgeable in that Athlete's Foot reportedly affects 15% of the global population.

Through research, the inventor knew that fungal infections can be difficult to treat, and has indicated that conventional approaches are effective in less than half of all cases, therefore prevention is key. This offers a potential market opportunity to both current sufferers and also individuals prone to developing the conditions, who may choose to protect their toes both in the home and away from home. To gain traction in the market, potential users would need to be educated as to the benefit of using the product alongside any other recommended regime for preventing and managing fungal infections.

The inventor was also aware that as fungus thrives in damp conditions, showering and bathing can be a possible source of potential infection as germs from elsewhere on the body are washed onto the feet. It was known in the inventor's medical circle that if these fungal contaminants and germs colonize the feet and enter the body's systems, they can lead to a range of serious illnesses and diseases. Further, the inventor knew that poor nail hygiene and fungal nail infections frequently serve as portals of entry for bacterial infection and cellulitis and other infections may progress more rapidly in diabetics due to the combination of immune dysfunction and delayed detection.

The inventor recognized a problem in that as the water, soap, and other carriers flowed from the anal and genital areas of high fungal content, the feet were subsequently affected. The inventor decided to segregate the feet from the rest of the body during shower.

Through additional research, the inventor learned that a condom formed a waterproof, sealed covering for the penis. The inventor wondered if the foot, which was elongated like the penis, could be covered in a similar fashion. The inventor fashioned an elongated sheath made of latex and having a restrictive rim at an open end and a reinforced patch at a closed end. The inventor finally conceived of a process in which the sheath could be donned before showering, removed after showering, and finally washing the feet separately from the rest of the body. The inventor realized that this protected the foot from fungal contamination as the water and soap flowed to the feet.

Foot protective medical devices and methods of use have been utilized in the past; yet none with the characteristics of the present invention. See U.S. Patent No. 2014196202; 20010046514; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,222.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot that enables a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed, and then removed for washing the feet separately.

SUMMARY

The present invention describes a method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot. The method is configured to enable a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath is donned on the foot before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to segregate the foot, and thereby protect against contamination as liquids, debris, soap, and other contaminants flow towards the foot.

The sheath is sufficiently sized and dimensioned, so as to snugly encapsulate the foot, and thereby inhibit moisture, soap, fungus and bacteria that originate at the upper regions of the body from engaging the foot, anywhere from the ankle to the toes. The method enables the entirety of the foot to be covered with the sheath through a simple tugging motion. In this manner, a fungus or other biological contaminant that originates at the upper, or other parts of the body is inhibited from transferring, i.e., washing, flowing, cascading, to the foot, and consequently causing infection thereof.

In one embodiment, the method may include an initial Step of providing a sheath, the sheath configured to snugly encapsulate the foot, the sheath comprising an open end, a closed end, an elongated body, an inner surface, and an outer surface.

A Step comprises orienting the open end of the sheath towards the toes of the feet.

In some embodiments, the method may include a Step of urging the closed end of the sheath towards the toes of the foot.

A Step may include encapsulating the foot, such that the elongated body of the sheath extends from the toes to the ankle.

Another Step includes sealing the open end of the sheath around the ankle.

Yet another Step may include washing an upper region of the body.

Another Step involves urging the sheath off the foot.

The method may include a Step of washing the foot.

A final Step comprises discarding the sheath.

In one alternative embodiment, an additional step of the method comprises moving away from a shower area after washing the upper region of the body.

One objective of the present invention is to inhibit fungus from engaging the foot while washing the upper body in a shower.

Another objective of the present invention is to fully seal the foot, so that moisture, soap, fungus, and bacteria is inhibited from engaging the foot.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a sheath that is flexible, thin, and anti-bacterial.

Yet another objective is to protect all surfaces of the foot with the sheath.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to facilitate donning and removal of the sheath from the foot.

Yet another objective is to protect the foot from fungus, Athlete's Foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, onychomicosis, lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant.

Yet another objective is to prevent hospitalization, doctors' visits, podiatrist and expenditures of money for medicine to treat Athlete's Foot and other fungal contaminations.

Yet another objective is to enable the sheath to be disposed of in a hygiene manner.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture sheath.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a treatment and a method of prevention for a diabetic foot.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary sheath; and

FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectioned views of the sheath shown in FIG. 2 being donned on a foot, where FIG. 3A is a frontal view, and FIG. 3B is a bottom view.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a method 100 for inhibiting fungal and bacterial infections of the foot, as referenced in FIGS. 1-3B. The method 100 is especially effective when an upper, or other region of the body is infected with a fungus or other biological contamination, and the foot 300 must be protected from the fungus and bacteria during washing, i.e., showering. The method 100 is configured to enable a foot 300 to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath 200 while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath 200 is donned on the foot 300 before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to protect against contamination as liquids, debris, soap, and other carriers of fungus to flow towards the foot 300. In some embodiments, the potentially contaminating fungus may include, without limitation, fungus, Athlete's Foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, Onychomicosis, Lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that these fungal diseases are recurrent or first appear because of germs that colonize the pubic, anal, and other upper region areas of the body. The upper region of the body may include the region above the ankle 304 s. Often, the fungal contaminants and related germs come from the daily wash down during showers of the upper region of the body. Specifically, the fungal contaminants originate in the genitals and stools in the anal area of the body. These germs, once they colonize an area of the body, such as the foot 300, may create blisters and cracks between the toes and nails. This causes deformities and huge expenses due to the use of medications and visits to the doctor and podiatrists.

Further, when these fungal contaminants penetrate the skin through the cracks, into the vessels, lymphatic system, subcutaneous tissue, they cause severe diseases, some of which are life threatening, including: cellulitis, erisipelas, vasculitis, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism followed by death. Severe gangrene, amputations in diabetics and ulcers also can occur when the fungal contaminants are allowed to contact the foot 300.

As the flowchart in FIG. 1 illustrates, the method 100 may include an initial Step 102 of providing a sheath 200, the sheath 200 configured to snugly encapsulate the foot 300, the sheath 200 comprising an open end 202, a closed end 204, an elongated body 206, an inner surface 214, and an outer surface 212. The open end 202 receives and enables passage of the foot 300. The closed end 204 engages the toes 302 to indicate that the sheath 200 is fully donned. The elongated body 206 extends between both ends 202, 204, forming a barrier for the foot 300 against the above mentioned fungal contaminants. The outer surface 212 engages liquid, soaps, and other carriers that may contain the fungal contaminants. The inner surface 214 engages the skin of the foot 300.

Turning now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the sheath 200 may be formed as a flexible, waterproof condom-like device, configured to snugly encapsulate the foot 300. The sheath 200 is configured to follow the general contour of a foot 300. In one embodiment, a left-footed sheath is used to cover the left foot, and a right-footed sheath is used to cover the right foot. In one embodiment, the sheath 200 is fabricated from a waterproof fabric (either treated or laminated with a wax or PVC or PU). The sheath 200 may be stitched and then taped along the stitching to ensure a waterproof seal, similar to a diver's dry suit.

Suitable materials for the sheath 200 may include, without limitation, latex, elastomer material, nylon, rubber, and polyurethane. Though the sheath 200 is fabricated from latex, there may be an option to create a non-latex version for those with latex allergies. Such a material may include vinyl, nitrile rubber or neoprene, which are all alternatives to natural rubber latex.

The sheath 200 may be manufactured and packaged for sale in a number of ways known in the art, i.e., dip molding, vulcanization, sterilization, and packaging. In one embodiment, the sheath 200 can be manufactured in one simple process and then packaged into a box, much like sterile medical gloves are packaged. Table 1, below focuses on some of the main processes that may be used for manufacturing, sterilizing, and packaging the sheath 200. TABLE 1 is as follows:

TABLE 1 Components Process Description SWOT Latex forefoot Dip moulding Ceramic moulds are dipped into a Strengths: cover Latex vat to dip coat the surface with a Suitable for mass & batch manufacture. film of Latex. High accuracy. Fully Automated. Weaknesses: Moderate tooling cost. Opportunities: Widely used process. Threats: Medium unit costs Vulcanisation A baking process in a furnace to ensure An inherent process from Latex dip the Latex when stretched will return to moulding, without it the Latex when its original shape. stretched will tear. Rim creation Rollers will hem the neck of the cover Strengths: much like a prophylactic. Adds a rim to the cover, this gives added strength around the neck. Weaknesses: A further process increases the overall cost. Opportunities: The cover could roll over the whole foot like a condom. Threats: Added cost in manufacturing process. Washing and The cover would be washed and dried Strengths: sterilising and sterilised before packaging. Ensures the cover is sterile. Weaknesses: More legislation is needed for meeting sterile standards Opportunities: The sock will not infect the user further. Threats: Added Cost in manufacturing process. Packaging The cover would be packaged in an air Strengths: tight primary wrapper the package The end user knows the product is sterile. would be heat sealed. Weaknesses: A further process increases the overall cost. Opportunities: Further branding can be printed on packaging. Threats: Added cost in manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, a Step 104 may further include orienting the open end 202 of the sheath 200 towards the toes 302 of the feet. In donning the sheath 200, the sheath 200 is oriented towards the toes 302. The rim 208 at the open end 202 of the sheath 200 is stretched wide, so as to allow passage of the foot 300. The open end 202 is sized and dimensioned to enable the foot 300 to pass through with minimal obstruction. In one embodiment, the sheath 200 may have various sizes that fit differently sized feet. In another embodiment, a powder may be applied to the inner surface 214 of the sheath 200 to minimize friction with the foot 300.

In some embodiments, the method 100 may include a Step 106 of urging the closed end 204 of the sheath 200 towards the toes 302. In donning, the open end 202 of the sheath 200 is oriented towards the toes 302. A slight tugging motion may be applied to urge the open end 202 of the sheath 200 past the toes 302, and further to urge the elongated body 206 along the length of the foot 300. The sheath 200 is fully donned when the closed end 204 of the sheath 200 engages the toes 302.

As FIGS. 3A and 3B show, a Step 108 may include encapsulating the foot 300, such that the elongated body 206 of the sheath 200 extends from the toes 302 to the ankle 304. The sheath 200 is entirely donned when the open end 202 encircles the ankle 304 and the closed end 204 engages the toes 302. In this manner, the sheath 200 is sufficiently sized and dimensioned, so as to snugly encapsulate the foot 300.

Because the sheath 200 is sized approximately the same as the foot 300, the sheath 200 forms a snug fit around the foot 300. The open end 202 of the sheath 200 may include an elastic rim 208 that constricts around the ankle 304. The rim 208 may include a rubber rim 208 to ensure a skin tight seal against the skin.

The closed end 204 of the sheath 200 may include a reinforced patch 210 that resists tearing by the nails on the toes 302. The substantially elastic configuration of the sheath 200 sticks to the surface of the skin to prevent slippage. The body 206 of the sheath 200 may be transparent to enable viewing of the foot 300.

In one exemplary donning of an exemplary sheath, a waterproof sheath for the forefoot is formed as a thin walled elastomeric water proof bag or tube, open at the open end. The sheath 200 stretches skin tight over the foot 300. The configuration of the sheath 200 enables the sheath 200 to circumferentially squeeze against the foot 300. The sheath 200 may be donned similarly to a stocking. The sheath 200 may also be donned before showering, bathing, or when immersing into a public douche, a pool, and a gym shower.

Another Step 110 includes sealing the open end 202 of the sheath 200 around the ankle 304. The rim 208 at the open end 202 of the sheath 200 constricts around the ankle 304 so that liquids are restricted from flowing into the inner surface 214 of the sheath 200, and into contact with the foot 300. It is significant to note that the sheath 200 is donned on the foot 300 before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to protect against contamination from the upper regions, or other parts of the body.

Thus, by forming a tight, compressed encapsulation of the foot 300 around the ankle, the moisture, soap, fungus, and bacterium originating at the upper region of the body is prevented from flowing down and engaging the foot 300. And the foot 300 is protectively covered from the ankle 304 to the toes 302. In this manner, a fungus or other biological contaminant that originates at the upper region, or other parts of the body is inhibited from transferring, i.e., washing, flowing, cascading, to the foot 300, and consequently causing infection thereof.

Another Step 112 involves washing an upper region of the body. The upper region of the body may include any region of the body above the ankle 304. It is known in the art that the fungal contaminants originate from the daily wash down during showers of the upper region of the body. Specifically, the fungal contaminants originate in the genitals and stools in the anal area of the body. These germs, once they colonize an area of the body, such as the foot 300, may create blisters and cracks between the toes 302 and nails.

A Step 114 includes urging the sheath 200 off the foot 300. After washing the upper and other regions of the body, the closed end 204 of the sheath 200 is pulled away from the toes 302. It is known in the art that when the sheath 200 is wet, removing it from the foot 300 may require tugging along the elongated body 206 and inching the sheath 200 off the foot 300. It is significant to note that contacting the foot 300 with the outer surface 212 of the sheath 200 should be avoided while urging the sheath 200 off the foot 300. In one alternative embodiment, a spray on latex product is applied to an inner surface 214 of the foot 300 to ensure that the foot 300 stays dry while showering and so that the sheath 200 easily peels off after use.

Yet another Step 116 includes washing the foot 300. The foot 300 is washed independently of the rest of the body. The foot 300 may be washed in a separate tub or stall than the upper region of the body was washed. Because the fungus and other biological contaminants are separated from the foot 300 during this subsequent foot washing, contamination of the foot 300 is prevented.

A final Step 118 comprises discarding the sheath 200. The outer surface 212 of the sheath 200 may be contaminated after washing the upper region of the body. Thus, it is prudent to discard the sheath 200 in a biological disposal unit. In one alternative embodiment, an additional step of the method 100 comprises moving away from a shower area after washing the upper region of the body. In either case, the foot 300 is constantly segregated from the rest of the body during the entire washing process.

In essence, the sheath 200 is disposable, affordable, and easy to don prior to washing the upper regions of the body. By utilizing the sheath 200 in the method 100 disclosed herein, the prevention of occurrences of various diseases of the foot 300, such as Athlete's Foot, Onychomicosis, and diabetic foot ulcers may be prevented.

While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the outer and inner surfaces 212, 214 of the sheath 200 could be coated with an anti-bacterial composition. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot, the method comprising: providing a sheath, the sheath configured to snugly encapsulate the foot, the sheath comprising an open end, a closed end, an elongated body, an inner surface, and an outer surface; orienting the open end of the sheath towards the toes of the feet; urging the closed end of the sheath towards the toes of the foot; encapsulating the foot, such that the elongated body of the sheath extends from the toes to the ankle; sealing the open end of the sheath around the ankle; washing an upper region of the body; urging the sheath off the foot; washing the foot; and discarding the sheath.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further includes a step of moving away from a shower area after washing the upper region of the body.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sheath is waterproof.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the sheath is flexible.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the material composition of the sheath includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: latex, nitrile, elastomeric material, nylon, rubber, and polyurethane.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the fungal infection includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: fungus, athlete's foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, onychomicosis, Lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the open end of the sheath comprises a rim.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the rim is configured to constrict the ankle.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the closed end of the sheath comprises a reinforced patch.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sheath is latex free to avoid allergic reaction.
 11. A method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot, the method comprising: providing a sheath, the sheath configured to snugly encapsulate the foot, the sheath comprising an open end, a closed end, an elongated body, an inner surface, and an outer surface; orienting the open end of the sheath towards the toes of the feet; urging the closed end of the sheath towards the toes of the foot; encapsulating the foot, such that the elongated body of the sheath extends from the toes to the ankle; sealing the open end of the sheath around the ankle; washing an upper region of the body; urging the sheath off the foot; washing the foot; moving away from a shower area after washing the upper region of the body; and discarding the sheath.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sheath is waterproof.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the sheath is flexible.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the material of the sheath includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: latex, elastomer material, nylon, rubber, and polyurethane.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the fungal infection includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: fungus, Athlete's Foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, Onychomicosis, Lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the open end of the sheath comprises a rim.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the rim is configured to constrict the ankle.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the closed end of the sheath comprises a reinforced patch.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the sheath is latex free to avoid allergic reaction.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the sheath further comprises an anti-bacterial coating. 